Over 8 lakh CBSE students enrolled in AI courses for 2024-25 session | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Approximately 7,90,999 students from 4,538 schools have enrolled for Artificial Intelligence (AI) courses at the secondary level (Classes IX and X combined) for the academic session 2024-25. At the senior secondary level (Classes XI and XII combined), 50,343 students from 944 schools have opted for AI. These figures were revealed by union minister of state for education, Jayant Chaudhary, in a written response in Lok Sabha on Monday.
Highlighting the importance of AI education, Chaudhary stated, “National Education Policy, 2020 stresses upon creating holistic and well-rounded individuals equipped with the key 21st-century skills. NEP 2020 recognises the role and importance of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI).”
Since its introduction in CBSE-affiliated schools in 2019, AI has been gaining popularity. The CBSE offers AI as a 15-hour foundational module in Class VIII and as a skill subject for Classes IX to XII. Chaudhary said: “The objective of the AI curriculum is to develop a readiness for understanding and appreciating Artificial Intelligence and its application in our lives.”
The ministry also reported that of the 30,373 CBSE-affiliated schools, 29,719 schools have IT infrastructure compliant with CBSE Affiliation Bye-Laws, ensuring the effective delivery of AI and other IT-based courses.
A recent circular along with a corrigendum, mandates minimum IT infrastructure requirements for affiliated schools. Out of the 30,373 schools affiliated with CBSE, 29,719 schools have IT infrastructure as per CBSE Affiliation Bye-Laws.